Powell makes dream debut under the 'Del Piero effect'

By Dominic Bossi

SYDNEY FC youngster Blake Powell is still coming to terms with his dream A-League debut against Newcastle Jets on Saturday and admits he had not expected to play a part in the match.

Powell, 21, discovered he was included in the match-day squad only upon arriving at Allianz Stadium and made the occasion all the more special by scoring the Sky Blues' second goal. Coach Ian Crook selected Powell in the preliminary squad of 17 and the youngster realised he had made the final 15-man match-day team only when he saw his jersey laid out in the change rooms at Allianz Stadium.

Dream run … Blake Powell.Credit:Brendan Esposito

''When I reached the stadium, I found my shirt hanging on the coat hanger and found out I would be starting from the bench. Just to see my shirt, I was overjoyed, over the moon, I was very excited,'' Powell said. ''I walked straight in and as soon as I turned I could see where I would sit and I was either going to see my shirt, or not going to see it and when I did, I was over the moon.''

The historic home debut for Italian legend Alessandro Del Piero drew a crowd of more than 35,000 who were treated to a sublime free-kick by the veteran and a goal that signalled the arrival of one of the club's brightest talents. Powell is still struggling to come to terms with seeing his name alongside Del Piero's on the scoreboard and the youngster could have overshadowed the former Juventus captain with a second goal late in the match.

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''It feels amazing that I get to train alongside him and play with him. It's surreal, I still can't believe it; he's one of the world's greatest players,'' he said.

Powell was brought on in the second half for Adam Griffiths, who pulled his hamstring in the build-up to the Jets second goal. The striker was forced to play in a less familiar position as a left midfielder but made an instant impact in front of the club's record league attendance.

''Definitely my biggest highlight of my career but it would've been better if we got the win but unfortunately we didn't,'' Powell said. His debut was evidence of the growing number of youth team players promoted to the senior squad by former youth coach Ian Crook. Powell spent the past two seasons in the Sky Blues' National Youth League squad and made his first A-League appearance alongside former youth teammates Mitch Mallia and Dimitri Petratos.

''It's always good when you've had a bit more time playing alongside them, you know a bit more about their style of play compared to the first graders where I haven't played many games with them,'' Powell said. ''It's good in retrospect that I know a bit of their style of play and how they move.''

Much has been made of the ''Del Piero effect'' and the man hopes he has already changed perceptions of football in Australia.

The crowd left thoroughly entertained, having seen Del Piero and Emile Heskey find the back of the net for the first time in the A-League. And while Italian Del Piero was disappointed with Sydney FC's loss he was delighted by the turnout.

''We had 35,000 people [which is] amazing and we are very proud of this and we hope at the end of the season the fans will be proud of us more than today and I think that will happen,'' he said.

''I think the people didn't completely enjoy today because we lost but they watched five goals.''

The 37-year-old playmaker, who remained to sign autographs after the match, said while the team had plenty of work to do he already felt the public's appreciation of football was improving.

Asked how much of an effect his presence was having on local interest in the sport he said: ''I don't know, I hope a lot.

''We have to work hard. It's not enough. We have to work to change a lot of things. There is a good sensation around me … so this is an exciting challenge.''